I really don't need a lesson on how transcription and translation work. I have a PhD in genetics. I am of course not disputing that DNA is transcribed into RNA

I really don't need a lesson on how transcription and translation work. I have a PhD in genetics. I am of course not disputing that DNA is transcribed into RNA and RNA is translated into protein. In your original post, you state: Central dogma reminder: DNA -> RNA -> Protein and what I'm actually arguing with is your description of what the central dogma is stating. Because it actually states Nucleic Acid --> Protein My criticism was a technical one regarding information flow, and I wasn't trying to argue against the importance of developmental factors downstream of genes to the production of complexity. Sorry if I seem pedantic, but we have to be careful with our terminology, because otherwise as soon as someone learns about reverse transcription they write an article saying how the central dogma is dead.